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Buckyballs. Computer graphic of buckyball (Buckminsterfullerene, C60) molecules. The spheres represent carbon atoms whilst the lines represent the bonds between them. The bonds link the atoms in pentagons and hexagons to form a football- shaped sphere. Buckminsterfullerene was discovered in 1985. It was the first of a range of spherical fullerenes to be found. Fullerenes are a structural form (allotrope) of the element carbon. Fullerenes have novel physical and chemical properties which can be exploited to produce new catalysts, lubricants and superconductors.